An Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Sydney landed safely at Sydney Airport following reports of a bomb threat on board.
Flight NZ247, carrying 154 passengers and crew, arrived at 5.40pm local time and was immediately met by a large emergency response team, including tactical operations units, paramedics, and firefighters.
Passengers were held on the plane for over an hour and a half while authorities assessed the situation.
The aircraft was diverted to a utility taxiway away from the terminal before being moved to the international terminal, where passengers were finally allowed to disembark by 10pm.
Air New Zealand confirmed a security incident occurred, and the return flight to Wellington was cancelled as a precaution.
Despite the initial tension, authorities reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
Emergency services, which included up to 40 vehicles and armed police, were stood down once the aircraft and passengers were cleared.
The Australian Federal Police are leading the investigation, with New South Wales Police providing significant support. Air New Zealand apologised for the disruption, with the safety of passengers and crew is their highest priority.
We have pictures from the 7NEWS helicopter of the aircraft at the centre of a bomb scare at Sydney Airport. Air New Zealand flight NZ 247 has landed safely to a huge response from emergency services. https://t.co/TWh1KQh9q4 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/RTV4CdqpZN
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) October 19, 2024
